Special prosecutors appointed in cases of ex-HPD officers accused of beating teen burglary suspect, Chad Holley

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February 13, 2013 11:38:23 AM PST

HOUSTON --

A judge has granted a request by prosecutors to recuse themselves from the cases of three former Houston police officers accused of beating a teenage burglary suspect.

The Harris County district attorney's office says it asked to be removed to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The wife of recently elected District Attorney Mike Anderson previously represented another officer who was investigated in the case.

During a court hearing Wednesday in Houston, state District Judge Ruben Guerrero appointed two Houston defense attorneys as special prosecutors.

Former Houston police officers Phillip Bryan, Raad Hassan and Drew Ryser face misdemeanor charges for their roles in the alleged March 2010 beating of the teen, Chad Holley,which was caught on video surveillance. A fourth ex-officer who had been indicted was acquitted in May. ___________________________________________________________